Topic Overview

Talk to your doctor about what day
to start using the patch. It is usually recommended that the first patch be
placed on the first day of your next menstrual period. If the patch is started
on any other day, use a backup method of birth control for 7 days. Start the patch on a
day that is easy to remember.

The patch can be applied to your
lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body but not on the breasts. Apply a new
patch once a week on the same day of the week for 3 weeks. The patch delivers
the hormones daily over 7 days. Wear each patch continuously until you replace
it the following week. No patch is worn during the fourth week, so you have a
menstrual period.

A small number of women have reported that the
patch has partially or completely come off. If this happens before your patch
is due to be changed, apply a replacement patch right away.

A
small number of women have some mild to moderate skin irritation from the
patch.

When you remove a patch, dispose of it carefully. Because
of environmental concerns about hormones in the water supply, don't flush it
down the toilet.

Topic Contents

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